Talbot column: Byrne set to join GOP field
Mobile Press-Register – May 27
…“At this early stage, the key for any candidate is building a campaign organization and raising money,” said David Lanoue, chairman of the political science department at the University of Alabama. “But I would say, depending on who else joins the race, that (Byrne) is the favorite particularly if Gov. Riley chooses to support him in the primary.”…
Senators set to scrutinize nominee
Tuscaloosa News – May 27
…Bryan Fair, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Alabama, said the Judiciary Committee and full Senate will find little in Sotomayor’s record to disqualify her and that Sessions should not try to obstruct her appointment. ‘It’s time for Sen. Sessions to step up to the plate and show some leadership,’ Fair said. ‘Even before the nomination was announced, the Republicans were already gearing up to opposed any name that comes before them. He has to set a standard as the ranking Republican member of the committee.’…
Wet month wreaks havoc with gardens, lawns
Tuscaloosa News – May 27
In more than 35 years of growing plants in Alabama, Mary Jo Modica said she has never seen a wetter month of May. ‘I’m not really sure what that means for plants because I’m not familiar with this weather pattern,’ she said. ‘May is usually one of our drier months.’…Modica, horticulturist at the University of Alabama arboretum, said the rain is presenting problems to those who invested in drought-tolerant plants, which drown with too much rainfall. For those plants, Modica recommends mulching with white sand. ‘You can mulch them with some white sand and that will help soak up some of that moisture and reflect some of the sunlight so their leaves will dry up a little quicker,’ she said.’…